(04-11-2017, 11:41 PM)Thryleon link Wrote:I appreciate this point, however I see Simpson's career starting to taper off, and Buckley knows the role, and has shown that he can play it in a tandem with Docherty as recently as last season.
Just because Simpson is still keeping him out of the side, doesn't mean that Buckley can't make the grade in a similar role.
He has a few endearing attributes that we currently don't have in abundance (Pace) and in the JLT series copped a knock that stifled his ability to run.
He may very well go at the end of the season, but I wouldnt be quick to give him up without looking at what else we have coming into the side which is absolutely crucial to competant list management. Sheehan is in a similar boat. These blokes are currently marking time and need to make a mark or their AFL careers will come to an end.
I tend to agree with most of that, but I think Buckley needs to bridge a huge gap in intensity and consistency to get in the Simpson/Docherty type role. Plus if Simmo retires and we get hold of a KPF, we'll find Weiters drifting back which pushes Plowman and Marchbank into spots Simmo traditionally held. Lets not forget Byrne who is the goods, and as you suggest Sheahan who could also be the goods.
FWIW, I think Sheehan and Byrne are significantly better balls users than Buckley, possibly better ball users than Simmo! Can they read the play though? :o
Pickett, SPS are the goods for small forwards, Wright and Murphy have only a handful of years maybe Buckley needs to find a forward spot he can fill, very, very quickly!
"Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck ....... Ruck, ruck, ruck, ruck"